Hebrews 6:11

Hebrews 6:11

Diligence to the very end

“Diligence”, that’s quite a word! It is defined as “the steady, earnest, and persistent effort applied to a task, characterized by careful work, perseverance, and industry. It represents a strong work ethic or virtue, often involving meticulous attention to detail to achieve a goal.” Presumably, the author of Hebrews used this word, or its equivalent, with due consideration, and we should therefore use it too as a yardstick for our own service for the Lord. How many brothers and sisters do we know who fit these criteria, or are their heads turned by the headline-grabbers, the personalities or the professionals who operate in churches? If we are faithfully getting on with helping others out of love for the Lord, then let us not give up, but press on to the “very end.” Remember, there is no such word as retirement in the Bible!

The advice in this verse has a corollary, “that what we hope for may be fully realized.” In chapter 3:6 we discussed “the hope in which we glory.” That hope is the sense of purpose that the Lord God has given to us, which we believe will ultimately be expressed in our access to Him in His heavenly kingdom. This is not a figment of people’s imaginations but a reality that grows brighter by the day. However, it is also something we strive towards, I guess the greater the reality of that hope, the more we will long for its fulfilment and work to reach it. Peter thought so, “Therefore my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 10-11. 

 

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